Patents by Inventor Simon J. Lovett
Simon J. Lovett has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 12255984Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for memory operations are described. First scrambling sequences may be generated for first addresses of a memory device after an occurrence of a first event, where the first addresses may be associated with commands received at the memory device. Portions of the memory array corresponding to the first address may be accessed based on the first scrambling sequences. After an occurrence of a subsequent event, second scrambling sequences may be generated for the first addresses, where the second scrambling sequences may be different than the first set of scrambling sequences. After the occurrence of the subsequent event, the portions of the memory array may be accessed based on the second scrambling sequences.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2021Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Daniele Vimercati, Simon J. Lovett
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Publication number: 20240232028Abstract: A memory device can include a bank of memory cells. The bank of memory cells can include multiple groups of columns of memory cells. The memory device can include controller circuitry to provide information pertaining to a column repair redundancy swap for repairing a selected group of the plurality of groups at row address strobe (RAS) time. Upon detection of an error condition in at least one group of columns of memory cells, the controller circuitry can implement the column repair redundancy swap on the corresponding group.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2024Publication date: July 11, 2024Inventors: Jaeil Kim, Simon J. Lovett
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Patent number: 11664063Abstract: Aggressor rows may be detected by comparing access count values of word lines to a threshold value. Based on the comparison, a word line may be determined to be an aggressor row. The threshold value may be dynamically generated, such as a random number generated by a random number generator. In some examples, a random number may be generated each time an activation command is received. Responsive to detecting an aggressor row, a targeted refresh operation may be performed.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Simon J. Lovett
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Publication number: 20230047007Abstract: Aggressor rows may be detected by comparing access count values of word lines to a threshold value. Based on the comparison, a word line may be determined to be an aggressor row. The threshold value may be dynamically generated, such as a random number generated by a random number generator. In some examples, a random number may be generated each time an activation command is received. Responsive to detecting an aggressor row, a targeted refresh operation may be performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2021Publication date: February 16, 2023Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: Simon J. Lovett
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Patent number: 11581889Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for temperature and process corner sensitive control of power gated domains are described. An example apparatus includes an internal circuit; a power supply line; and a power gating control circuit which responds, at least in part, to a first change from a first state to a second state of a control signal to initiate supplying a power supply voltage from the power supply line to the internal circuit, and continue supplying the power supply voltage from the power supply line to internal circuit for at least a timeout period from a second change from the second state to the first state of the control signal, in which the timeout period represent temperature dependency.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Simon J. Lovett
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Patent number: 11545208Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for power-efficient generation of voltage are described. A driver circuit in a memory device may produce a voltage on an output node for other components in the memory device to use. To produce the voltage, the driver circuit may use a first voltage supply to charge the output node to a first threshold voltage level. The driver may then use a second voltage source to charge the output node to a second threshold voltage level that is different than (e.g., higher than) the first threshold voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Simon J. Lovett
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Patent number: 11521670Abstract: Memory devices including word lines coupled to pull-down transistors are disclosed. A memory device may include a number of memory cells, a first word line, and a second word line. The first word line may be configured to apply a voltage to a number of transistors to access at least one of the number of memory cells. The first word line may include a first portion electrically coupled to a first driver and a second portion electrically coupled to a gate of a pull-down transistor. The second word line may be positioned adjacent to the first word line. The second word line may include a third portion electrically coupled to a second driver and a fourth portion electrically coupled to a terminal of the pull-down transistor. Associated systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Simon J. Lovett
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Publication number: 20220385451Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for memory operations are described. First scrambling sequences may be generated for first addresses of a memory device after an occurrence of a first event, where the first addresses may be associated with commands received at the memory device. Portions of the memory array corresponding to the first address may be accessed based on the first scrambling sequences. After an occurrence of a subsequent event, second scrambling sequences may be generated for the first addresses, where the second scrambling sequences may be different than the first set of scrambling sequences. After the occurrence of the subsequent event, the portions of the memory array may be accessed based on the second scrambling sequences.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2021Publication date: December 1, 2022Inventors: Daniele Vimercati, Simon J. Lovett
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Publication number: 20220148642Abstract: Memory devices including word lines coupled to pull-down transistors are disclosed. A memory device may include a number of memory cells, a first word line, and a second word line. The first word line may be configured to apply a voltage to a number of transistors to access at least one of the number of memory cells. The first word line may include a first portion electrically coupled to a first driver and a second portion electrically coupled to a gate of a pull-down transistor. The second word line may be positioned adjacent to the first word line. The second word line may include a third portion electrically coupled to a second driver and a fourth portion electrically coupled to a terminal of the pull-down transistor. Associated systems are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2020Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventor: Simon J. Lovett
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Patent number: 11295832Abstract: Methods, systems, techniques, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. Groups of cells may be operated in different ways depending, for example, on a relationship between cell plates of the group of cells, pages of cells, and/or sections of cells. Cells may be selected in pairs or in larger multiples in order to accommodate an electric current relationship (such as a short) between two or more cells within a group, a page, and/or a section. When performing an access based on a smaller page size, a larger page size of cells may be selected to accommodate a short between plates within the smaller page, the larger page, and/or a section of memory that includes the smaller page or the larger page.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2020Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Simon J. Lovett, Richard E. Fackenthal
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Publication number: 20210319825Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for power-efficient generation of voltage are described. A driver circuit in a memory device may produce a voltage on an output node for other components in the memory device to use. To produce the voltage, the driver circuit may use a first voltage supply to charge the output node to a first threshold voltage level. The driver may then use a second voltage source to charge the output node to a second threshold voltage level that is different than (e.g., higher than) the first threshold voltage level.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Inventor: Simon J. Lovett
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Patent number: 11087835Abstract: Latch circuitry configured to latch data for use in the memory device. The latch circuitry includes latch cells each configured to store a bit of the data. The latch circuitry also includes a data line coupled to a first side of the latch cells and a data false line coupled to a second side of the latch cells. The latch circuitry also includes a write driver that includes an input configured to receive the data to be stored in the latch cells and a pair of inverters coupled to the input and configured to output a data signal to a first side of the latch cells. The latch circuitry also includes an inverter coupled to the input and configured to generate a data false signal to a second side of the latch cells. The data used to generate the data false signal is not passed through the pair of inverters.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Hiroshi Akamatsu, Simon J. Lovett
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Publication number: 20210142862Abstract: Methods, systems, techniques, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. Groups of cells may be operated in different ways depending, for example, on a relationship between cell plates of the group of cells, pages of cells, and/or sections of cells. Cells may be selected in pairs or in larger multiples in order to accommodate an electric current relationship (such as a short) between two or more cells within a group, a page, and/or a section. When performing an access based on a smaller page size, a larger page size of cells may be selected to accommodate a short between plates within the smaller page, the larger page, and/or a section of memory that includes the smaller page or the larger page.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Simon J. Lovett, Richard E. Fackenthal
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Patent number: 10998035Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for power-efficient generation of voltage are described. A driver circuit in a memory device may produce a voltage on an output node for other components in the memory device to use. To produce the voltage, the driver circuit may use a first voltage supply to charge the output node to a first threshold voltage level. The driver may then use a second voltage source to charge the output node to a second threshold voltage level that is different than (e.g., higher than) the first threshold voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Simon J. Lovett
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Publication number: 20210118482Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for power-efficient generation of voltage are described. A driver circuit in a memory device may produce a voltage on an output node for other components in the memory device to use. To produce the voltage, the driver circuit may use a first voltage supply to charge the output node to a first threshold voltage level. The driver may then use a second voltage source to charge the output node to a second threshold voltage level that is different than (e.g., higher than) the first threshold voltage level.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2019Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventor: Simon J. Lovett
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Patent number: 10957365Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a local power domain configured to selectively provide or prevent power to a logic block of the memory device and a temperature sensor located on the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device may also include timeout circuitry to delay a power down of the local power domain by a timeout time based at least in part on temperature information from the temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Simon J. Lovett
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Publication number: 20210065786Abstract: Latch circuitry configured to latch data for use in the memory device. The latch circuitry includes latch cells each configured to store a bit of the data. The latch circuitry also includes a data line coupled to a first side of the latch cells and a data false line coupled to a second side of the latch cells. The latch circuitry also includes a write driver that includes an input configured to receive the data to be stored in the latch cells and a pair of inverters coupled to the input and configured to output a data signal to a first side of the latch cells. The latch circuitry also includes an inverter coupled to the input and configured to generate a data false signal to a second side of the latch cells. The data used to generate the data false signal is not passed through the pair of inverters.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Hiroshi Akamatsu, Simon J. Lovett
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Patent number: 10861579Abstract: Methods, systems, techniques, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. Groups of cells may be operated in different ways depending, for example, on a relationship between cell plates of the group of cells, pages of cells, and/or sections of cells. Cells may be selected in pairs or in larger multiples in order to accommodate an electric current relationship (such as a short) between two or more cells within a group, a page, and/or a section. When performing an access based on a smaller page size, a larger page size of cells may be selected to accommodate a short between plates within the smaller page, the larger page, and/or a section of memory that includes the smaller page or the larger page.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Simon J. Lovett, Richard E. Fackenthal
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Patent number: 10734067Abstract: Latch circuitry configured to latch data for use in the memory device. The latch circuitry includes latch cells each configured to store a bit of the data. The latch circuitry also includes a data line coupled to a first side of the latch cells and a data false line coupled to a second side of the latch cells. The latch circuitry also includes a write driver that includes an input configured to receive the data to be stored in the latch cells and a pair of inverters coupled to the input and configured to output a data signal to a first side of the latch cells. The latch circuitry also includes an inverter coupled to the input and configured to generate a data false signal to a second side of the latch cells. The data used to generate the data false signal is not passed through the pair of inverters.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Hiroshi Akamatsu, Simon J. Lovett
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Publication number: 20200075063Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a local power domain configured to selectively provide or prevent power to a logic block of the memory device and a temperature sensor located on the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device may also include timeout circuitry to delay a power down of the local power domain by a timeout time based at least in part on temperature information from the temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2018Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventor: Simon J. Lovett